Staff Writer
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
Sullivan County has few contested races at the local level, “but the ones that are [contested] should be fairly exciting,” said county Clerk Peggy Goodman.
Redistricting of commissioner and county council districts has caused controversy in the community. A lawsuit related to redistricting was settled in March, Goodman said.
Merom residents who previously had their own polling place now must vote in New Lebanon, and many of those Merom voters are unhappy about the changes and the overall confusion associated with redistricting, said Lynn Hamilton, county Democratic Party chairwoman.
The county has more than 14,000 registered voters, Goodman said. Absentee voting so far “is not very heavy compared to what it was four years ago,” she said, although that could change leading up to the election.
Because of redistricting, Tim Abrams, who has been a District 2 commissioner, cannot seek re-election in that district. Fairbanks, where he lives, is now District 1; that seat is not up for election until 2014.
Also because of redistricting, John McCammon, who has been the District 3 county commissioner, is now running for the District 2 seat.
Luke Misner remains the District 1 commissioner; that seat is not up for election until 2014.
All Sullivan County voters can cast ballots in the commissioner and county council at-large races.
The three contested local races are on the Democratic Party ticket.
Democratic Party
County Commissioner District 2
John McCammon
Ray McCammon
(They are not related.)
County Commissioner District 3
Marvin K. Harris
William “Bill” Pirtle
County Council at large race — four candidates are running for three seats:
Jesse W. Kasinger
Jim Stricklin
Richard D. Walters (i)
Duane Wampler (i)
(i) denotes incumbents
